McDowell High School

November 3 - End of 1st Quarter

November 9 - No School In-Service

November 10 - Parent-Teacher Conferences

November 25 - Early Dismissal

November 26-27 - No School

Students in Mr. McGinnis's Conservation Science class recently put their classroom knowledge into practice during a fishing field trip to the Waterworks Pond! After completing a unit focused on fishing techniques, equipment, and fish species identification, students had the opportunity to apply their new skills in a real-world setting.

A special thank-you to the SONS of Lake Erie for partnering with the class! The organization visited the school to provide hands-on casting practice and generously supplied additional fishing poles and bait for the field trip.

The experience was a great success, with most students reeling in at least one fish! It was a fun and memorable day of outdoor learning that brought classroom lessons to life.

Thirty-nine McDowell High School students traveled to Pittsburgh to attend the Build On Convention as part of our Career Connections initiative. Students had the opportunity to explore careers in the skilled trades and construction industries, connect with industry professionals, learn about apprenticeship programs, and gain firsthand exposure to the many career opportunities available after graduation.

A special thank you to Mr. Bucholtz and Mr. Palmer for helping chaperone the trip and for continuing to encourage our students to explore and consider ALL career pathways. Our Career Connections initiative is focused on helping students discover their interests, understand their options, and begin answering an important question: What is my WHY? Experiences like this help students see that there are many pathways to a successful and rewarding future!

Please make sure to have your student listen to announcements for more opportunities to explore careers pathways.

Attention, senior students and families! Join us for Financial Aid Night on Tuesday, November 3, at 6:30 PM in the McDowell North Little Theatre. A representative from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will provide valuable information about scholarships, financial aid, FAFSA applications, college costs, and student loans. Families who would like assistance completing the FAFSA are encouraged to stay after the presentation for guidance from financial aid experts.

*Students must attend with a parent or guardian to complete the FAFSA.

See flyer below for more information.

We are thrilled to take over 250 of our students on an exciting field trip to the Erie County Technical School (ECTS) on Nov 17! Want to explore the campus for yourself? Don't miss the ECTS Open House on Nov 19 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM. It’s the perfect opportunity for both students and parents to tour the school, meet the teachers, and get answers to all your questions.

Ready to apply? Here are the key dates to remember:

• Nov 1: Application window officially opens
• Dec 15: Priority application deadline

Check out www.ects.org to apply or learn more today.

November is a great time to reflect on what we’re thankful for and how practicing gratitude can positively impact our well-being. This month, we encourage students, families, and staff to find simple ways to show appreciation, recognize the good in everyday life, and build habits that help us thrive both in and out of school.

*See attachment below for more tips!

Grade 12 students must have a booster dose of MCV4 (meningococcal). Many parents have already provided this proof of shot. If you have not received a phone call from the nurse your student is compliant.

Grade 11 students require a physical exam dated after 7/1/2025. This is best done at your PCP and forms are available on our district website. The form must include a "review of systems" and an updated shot record. There will be an opportunity for a free exam in December IF we receive written permission from you to do this. If you have any questions, please call the school nurse.

Click the link below for other School Health Reminders from the high schools nursing staff.

Students looking for extra academic support have several opportunities available after school at both McDowell North and McDowell South. Students can receive subject-specific tutoring, make up assessments, get help with assignments, or use the extra time to get caught up and organized. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation home.

McDowell North

• Tuesday | 2:25–3:25 p.m. | McDowell North Library
  Math Tutoring for students in grades 9–12
• Wednesday | 2:25–3:25 p.m. | McDowell North Library
  Bonus Study Hall for homework and projects, test preparation, tests and retests, organization, and study skills

McDowell South

• Wednesday | 2:25–3:25 p.m. | McDowell South HUB
  General Tutoring and Test Make-Ups
• Thursday | 2:25–3:25 p.m. | McDowell South HUB
  Science Tutoring

See the McDowell North and McDowell South flyers below for additional information.

Hello, all McDowell students! Would you like to make a change in your community for the upcoming Thanksgiving season? Join us for the Thanksgiving Box of Love food drive to support the Erie City Mission's cause in providing for local homeless families during the holidays! We are accepting boxes of stuffing, packets of gravy, large cans of yams, cranberry sauce, canned vegetables, brownie mix, and even card games. By donating these items, you can directly help those in need right here in our city.

Donations should be dropped off in Mr. Andrzejczak's room, 2-207, and Mr. Bailey's room, 121, by Friday, November 6.

The Millcreek Township School District invites parents and guardians of students receiving special education services to share their valuable feedback through a brief parent survey. Your input will help the district better understand family experiences, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen programs, services, and support for students with special needs. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, and responses are requested by December 10, 2026. Please review the flyer below for additional information and a link to participate. Your voice matters!

The McDowell PTSA invites students to explore their creativity, express their individuality, and share their unique perspectives through the arts! This year's theme, “What My Culture Means to Me,” encourages students to reflect on the traditions, experiences, and values that shape their identities. Students can participate through dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, or visual arts, with opportunities for recognition at the local, state, and national levels.

Entry packets are available for pickup in the McDowell North and McDowell South offices, and all entries must be submitted by Monday, November 9, 2026. Families are encouraged to review the flyer below and visit the National PTA Reflections website for additional information about participation, guidelines, and submission requirements.

ENTRIES ARE DUE MONDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2026

Get ready for a magical theatrical experience as McDowell Center for Performing Arts proudly presents Disney's Frozen: The Broadway Musical! Join our talented student performers December 10–13 at the MIHS Little Theater as they bring the beloved story of Elsa, Anna, and their friends to life through unforgettable music, stunning performances, and heartwarming moments. Performances are scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:00 p.m., with additional matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 for all seats and can be purchased at mcdowellcpa.ludus.com. Don't miss this enchanting production!

• How do I submit an excuse within three days of an absence?
  • Infinite Campus
  • Email: mtsdattendance@mtsd.org
  • Send in a paper excuse

• How many absences before I need a medical excuse?
  • Per attendance Policy 204 - after a student has accumulated 15 absences, a medical excuse is needed for any absence after the 15th day absent.

Restrictions to Student Accounts:

• You can specify what your child is allowed to purchase on their account by emailing foodservice@mtsd.org. Include your student’s name and the restriction to be placed on their account. Restrictions are general (snacks, second meals, milk) and cannot be specific to a day or item.
• If you do not want your child to be able to charge a lunch to their account when they have run out of funds, you must send an email to foodservice@mtsd.org. The law does not permit us to deny students a meal, so if they run out of money in their account, meals will still be charged to their account and you will be sent a bill.
• Please note that by restricting meal charges to the account, your student will be denied a meal in the cafeteria.
• If your child’s account runs out of funds, they will not be permitted to charge ala carte items: snacks, second meals, milk, etc. They are only permitted to charge one meal each day.

Refunds:

• Refunds can be requested for positive funds in your child’s account by emailing foodservice@mtsd.org. Include your child’s name and the mailing address for the refund.

Transfers:

• Funds can also be transferred between accounts (student to student, student to staff, student to donation account) by emailing foodservice@mtsd.org. Include the names of the student/staff that the funds are from and going to and the amount to be transferred.

See attached menus for November 2026 High School Breakfasts and Lunches.

• 🏐Congratulations to our District 10 Championship-winning girls' volleyball team who topped Erie High 3-0 Wednesday, October 28 for their 23rd consecutive D10 title!
• Stayed tuned as football, boys' and girls' soccer, cross country, marching band, and water polo all compete in their District championship events October 29-31st! Best of luck, Trojans

Registration for Winter sports is now open on mcdowellathletics.com/registration. Visit this site for instructions on how to sign up and be sure to get all paperwork submitted by Monday, November 16.

• You can find the latest schedules, rosters, updates, and content at mcdowellathletics.com and by following McDowell Athletics on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

• You can get tickets for McDowell home events through HomeTown ticketing. Download the HomeTown Fan app to manage your individual tickets or season passes.

• You also have the option to print your tickets to be scanned at the gate. Learn more about tickets for this season here: 2026-27 Ticket Information.

• Watch McDowell home events on Hudl Fan for free. Access the live stream menu from the Fan Zone on McDowell Athletics' home page or search McDowell High School on the Hudl Fan app

Support James Conner Field every time you fill up and you could win, too! Through a partnership with Country Fair, members of our community can use their Club CITGO loyalty ID at participating Country Fair gas pumps to automatically contribute 2¢ per gallon to the James Conner Field campaign at no additional cost to you!

Even better, your participation gives you a chance to win one of 16 weekly prizes, available for pickup at McDowell. It’s an easy way to support our students, our school, and the James Conner Field project just by doing something you already do—filling your tank!

Check out the flyer below for details on how to sign up, participate, and enter the sweepstakes!

As part of the upcoming renovations to the McDowell Athletic Complex (MAC), a new paver plaza is being planned for the stadium entrance. The Gus Anderson Legacy Plaza will feature engraved pavers that are now available to purchase and customize! All purchases support the renovations, which include necessary updates to the track, bleachers, addition of visitor bathrooms, turf drainage and more.

Leave your mark on the MAC and purchase a paver in honor of an alumni, your graduating class, or yourself! Purchase a paver or make a general donation here: Sponsorships & Naming Rights Opportunities

Curious why the renovations to the MAC are needed? Or where the funding is coming from? Or what the cost breakdown is? Find answers to all these questions at: Millcreek Township School District

• 🏈 Varsity football's first home game marked the kickoff for the McDowell Athletic Complex (MAC) renovation project fundraising campaign. Learn more about the renovation plans for the new facility, including the new turf field named after 2013 graduate and NFL star James Conner here: MAC Project.

• You can get involved with the fundraiser by purchasing a James Conner Field t-shirt at and Erie County Country Fair or by filling up your gas tank at Country Fair using a Club CITGO loyalty ID. All proceeds from t-shirt sales and 2-cents per gallon from your loyalty program gas purchase go directly to the MAC fundraising campaign. Sign up for the Club CITGO loyalty program and directly benefit the McDowell Athletic Complex!